Iraq have qualified for the World Cup for only the second time in their history, securing their spot in the 2026 tournament with a victory over Bolivia in the intercontinental playoffs. The team, bolstered by a strong cohort of diaspora players, now faces an uphill battle in what is arguably the competition's toughest group. Their defenders will have the unenviable task of stopping Norway's Erling Haaland, France's Kylian Mbappe, and Senegal's Nicolas Jackson in consecutive Group I matches.
A Long Journey to Mexico
The journey to the playoff against Bolivia was arduous for both players and fans. Hassanane Belal of the Iraq Football Podcast described the ordeal: 'They had to take a long bus journey to Jordan. They flew from there to Portugal, then to Mexico City and flew again to Monterrey. It took some Iraqi fans 13 days to get from Iraq to Monterrey.' Sadly, few Iraqis will be able to see their team at the 2026 World Cup due to difficulties securing US visas. 'It's our chance to show on the world stage that Iraqis love football, dancing, music, and food,' Hassanane said, referring to the few fans who will travel.
Diaspora Stars Shine
The opening goal in the 2-1 victory over Bolivia was scored by Ali Al-Hamadi, the first Iraqi to play in the Premier League. Al-Hamadi moved to Liverpool from his homeland at age one and spent last season on loan at Luton Town, scoring one goal in an injury-riddled campaign. The other squad member raised in England is former Manchester United youngster Zidane Iqbal, who made five appearances in the Eredivisie for FC Utrecht this season. Hassanane noted, 'You're not going to risk him in the starting lineup at Man United. But as an Iraqi and Manchester United fan, I'd like to have seen him get more chances.'
Veteran Striker Aymen Hussein
Experienced striker Aymen Hussein is fifth in the nation's all-time scoring charts with 33 goals in 93 caps. The 30-year-old will likely start alongside Ali Al-Hamadi up front. 'He's one of the oldest players in the team. He's the one who Iraq will always turn to when we need a goal,' Hassanane said.
Coach Graham Arnold's Experience
For the players, the World Cup will be a complete unknown, but manager Graham Arnold has been here before with Australia. He took the Socceroos to the Round of 16 at the 2022 World Cup and will be assisted by former Fulham boss Rene Meulensteen. 'The fans love him. He took over in a catastrophic time and turned things round completely for the better. When he speaks, everyone listens,' Hassanane said about Arnold.
Unity Through Football
The Iraq national team has a unique ability to bring Iraqis together in a nation often blighted by sectarianism. 'This team truly represents me. But there's also representation for my Christian friends... It's a beautiful team,' Hassanane said. Despite an uphill task in their group, he is confident Iraq can qualify for the Round of 32. 'I reckon we beat Norway, lose to France and draw with Senegal,' he predicted. The mentality of this group will not be called into question, having dug in and ground out several narrow wins in qualification. 'They are going to go all out and give absolutely everything,' Hassanane added.
